CAMP DENALI, Alaska—A group of approximately 30 Airmen with the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on a C-130 Hercules, headed for Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Aug. 27.

The second group of Airmen from the 176^th Wing that are deploying to Kuwait are scheduled to leave from JBER Aug. 29.

The group’s primary wartime mission during the scheduled two-month deployment will be airlift operations, which are to support the movement of cargo and personnel.

Among the group of Airmen deploying were a mix of flight crews from the 144^th Airlift Squadron, maintenance personnel from the 176^th Maintenance Group, and medical personnel from the 176^th Medical Group.

Since 1952, the 176th Wing has effectively served Alaskans at home and American interests abroad. Today, the JBER-based unit is among the largest wings in the Air National Guard.

“We’re actually one of the busiest wings in the Air National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Swartz, a flight surgeon with the 176^th Medical Group, Alaska Air National Guard.

This deployment marks the third deployment for the 144^th AS in the last five years.

“It’s an honor to protect my country and serve under the Constitution,” said Swartz.